Particularly successful at Un-Convention 2008 was the representation of artists in discussions.

This year, we wanted to incorporate an opening panel that would be led by artists and give a different perspective than one usually given by established ‘industry’ figures. The panel will explore whether the traditional idea of an artist is still relevant, or whether they need to adapt to a changing market and become their own managers, accountants and even their own marketing and promotions teams.

We hope this will make an inspiring and provocative discussion involving a mixture of artists from different generations to discuss how it was then – compared with how it is now – and get their thoughts about the changing music industry and the impact that has on how music is produced, consumed, sustained and the different challenges they face in a changing music world and turbulent economy.